As the last rays of the setting sun lit up the intricately designed windows of their sprawling mansion, Murtasim, a rich feudal lord and successful businessman, gazed lovingly at his wife Meerab, a renowned lawyer. He couldn't help but marvel at her beauty, even as she winced in pain, doubled over the sink in their opulent bathroom. It was one of those rare moments when the ever-present servants were given the night off, allowing the couple to enjoy some much-desired privacy. The gentle hiss of the running water filled the air as Meerab tried to ease the relentless cramps that came with her monthly cycle.
Her usually flawless complexion was flushed and damp with sweat, her normally immaculate hair mussed and falling over her face. The pain etched deep lines on her usually smooth forehead, and she bit down on her lower lip to stifle a groan. Murtasim watched her with a mix of concern and tenderness, wishing there was something he could do to make the pain go away. He moved closer, gently placing a comforting hand on her back. "Are you sure you don't want me to call the doctor?" he asked softly.
Meerab shook her head, her eyes squeezed shut. "No, I'll be fine. It's just... these cramps. They're the worst they've ever been." She took a shaky breath and straightened up, leaning heavily against the marble sink. "I'm sorry I'm such a mess. I didn't mean to ruin our evening." Her voice was barely above a whisper, laced with shame and self-doubt.
Murtasim cupped her face in his hands, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Meerab, you're not a mess. You're perfect, just the way you are. And I'm here for you, always. We'll get through this together, okay?" His eyes held hers, unwavering, as he brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
The weight of his words seemed to lift from Meerab's shoulders, and she let out a shuddering sigh. "Thank you, Murtasim," she whispered, leaning into his touch. "I love you."
Murtasim smiled, a soft, tender expression that lit up his features. "I love you too, Meerab. Why don't we get you into bed? We can watch a movie, or you can rest while I bring you something to eat?"
She nodded, grateful for the suggestion. As they walked hand in hand through the luxurious living room, she marveled at the opulence that surrounded them: the intricately carved furniture, the priceless artwork adorning the walls, the grand piano in the corner. It was a testament to their love and the life they had built together. Despite the pain she was in, Meerab felt a pang of guilt, knowing that not everyone was as fortunate as they were.
Murtasim must have sensed her thoughts, because he squeezed her hand gently. "Don't think like that, my love. We have worked hard for what we have, and we deserve to enjoy it. We can help others in our own way, but we must take care of ourselves first." He guided her to the sumptuous bed, the silk sheets cool against her flushed skin. As he arranged the pillows behind her back, she let out a contented sigh. "There, that's better. Now, what would you like to eat?"
Meerab considered the question, her stomach still queasy from the pain. "Do you think I could have some soup? Something light and warm?" Murtasim nodded, his expression softening further. "Of course, my love. I'll have it brought right up." He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "Rest now, and I'll be back with your soup in no time."
As he disappeared from the room, Meerab let out a shuddering breath. Despite the physical pain she was in, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and security in Murtasim's presence. It was a feeling she knew she could never repay, but one that made her heart swell with gratitude all the same. She closed her eyes, hoping that the soup and some rest would help ease the persistent ache in her abdomen, and drifted off to sleep, the warmth of her husband's love surrounding her like a soft, comforting blanket.
Murtasim returned to the bedside with a tray in hand, careful not to wake her. He placed the steaming bowl of soup and a spoon on a nearby table, then sat down on the edge of the bed, watching her sleep. Her features were serene, her skin dewy with perspiration, and her long dark hair fanned out across the pillow like a waterfall of brown silk. He reached out to gently brush a strand of hair away from her forehead, marveling at how much she meant to him. He leaned in and kissed her softly on the cheek before quietly getting up and returning to the tray. He spooned some soup into a bowl, adding a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of cayenne pepper, hoping it might help with the cramps.
He placed the bowl on the bedside table and climbed back into bed beside her, spoon in hand. "Meerab, sweetheart, I made you some soup. Why don't you wake up and eat?" He nudged her gently, careful not to disturb her too much. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, her face scrunching in pain. Seeing the soup, she brightened slightly. "Thank you, Murtasim. I'm starving." He helped her sit up slightly and held the bowl to her lips, letting her sip the soup slowly. As she ate, he stroked her hair, watching her carefully. When she seemed to have finished, he helped he lie back down again, propping up her pillows to make her more comfortable.
"How are you feeling now?" he asked softly, reaching over to take the empty bowl from her.
Meerab sighed, her eyes drifting shut again. "Better, I think. The soup was just what I needed." She felt Murtasim's hand brush against hers, their fingers intertwining. "Thank you, Murtasim. I don't know what I'd do without you." His touch was reassuring, and she felt a new surge of love and gratitude for him. "I promise I'll be more careful in the future, so this doesn't happen again."
Murtasim smiled gently, squeezing her hand. "Shhh, my love. It's not your fault. We'll figure out a way to manage it together. You just focus on feeling better now." He leaned in, kissing her forehead before leaning back against the pillows. "Why don't you rest some more while I watch a movie or something? I'll be right here if you need anything." She nodded, her eyelids growing heavy once more. As she drifted back into sleep, he couldn't help but marvel at the miracle that was their love. Even in the midst of pain and adversity, they found a way to support and strengthen one another. It was a bond unlike any he had ever known, and one he intended to cherish for as long as they both shall live.
